JCSE Holds Memorial Service for American Victims
The Joint Command Southeast Headquarters held an interfaith memorial service Sept. 18, 2001 in honor of the victims of the terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington D.C. that occurred September 11, 2001. Members of all nationalities and religions turned out to pay their respects and assist the ceremony. s
The service included readings from Hebrew Scriptures and a Jewish prayer; readings from the Christian Scriptures and Christian prayer; and a reading from the Muslim Qur'an and a Muslim prayer.
Chaplains Capt. Kevin Lockett and Maj. Gary Linsky from the 425th Air Base presided over the service. JCSE Commander Gen. Oktar Ataman extended his condolences and remarked that Turkey understands America's pain, because they too have experienced terrorism. And although JCSE Deputy Commander Maj. Gen. Craig Hackett was TDY at the time, his remarks were read by Col. Craig Carlson. In his letter he said he knows first hand the terror of what happened because he was personally touched by the tragedy. His wife works at the pentagon, and even though she was unharmed, when he heard the news he immediately feared for her safety.
The service ended with a moment of silence and the playing of Taps for the thousands of lives lost in the tragedy.
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